SAN DIEGO -- The Padres' interest in free-agent first baseman Eric Hosmer appears to be legitimate, as the two sides met face-to-face on Thursday, according to a USA Today report.
Hosmer, who batted .318/.385/.498 with 25 homers for Kansas City in 2017, is one of the offseason's most coveted free agents. To say the least, he'd be an interesting fit in San Diego, where William Myers currently mans first base.
Earlier this month, the Padres approached Myers, asking whether he'd be comfortable with a move back to the outfield, where he spent his first three Major League seasons. Myers was evidently very receptive to the idea, clearing one hurdle.
Still, signing Hosmer would require an unprecedented financial commitment from San Diego. Myers, who signed a six-year, $83 million extension last offseason, is currently the recipient of the largest contract in franchise history. Most projections have Hosmer surpassing that number by tens of millions of dollars.
There's also the question of whether Hosmer fits San Diego's current trajectory. A World Series champion in 2015, Hosmer is currently in the prime of his career. Meanwhile, the Padres' talented youngsters are probably a few years away from their career peaks.
Some in the organization view that concept as a positive, however. Hosmer would bring a wealth of experience to a young clubhouse without many established big league hitters. Plus, at 28, Hosmer is one of the younger free agents available this offseason.
The Padres believe they've set themselves up to contend yearly, beginning in 2020 (or perhaps as early as 2019). If that plan comes to fruition, Hosmer would presumably have plenty left in the tank.